There’s no denying that vaping has recently become the main concern in our country as it may cause health concerns.
In a report by The Star, Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said that vaping could be banned nationwide if there is enough people demanding for a ban on the electronic cigarettes.
During the press conference at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Hakim told reporters:
If there is demand from the public to ban the activity once and for all, it may happen but ultimately the decision is up to Cabinet.
He also said that the Cabinet would order investigations into the matter to be sped up and probably approve the ban if the citizens collectively voiced out their concerns towards vaping.
Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has recently called for a ban on vaping in Johor and asked the vape traders to close down their outlets by next January. Regarding his decision, Johor Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said that the Ruler of Johor had a solid basis for the ban.
He also mentioned that the Sultan had look through the World Health Organisation (WHO) studies before making a huge decision of officially banning vaping in the state.
Dr. Mohd Khairi said that vaping was considered as a getaway to drug addiction as 7.6% of the population in the US are ganja users. He also said that vaping devices are used by ganja users including teenagers and students to inhale the illegal substance.
“There is no denying that this could also happen here based on the news reports over the drug substances infused in vape liquids,” he added.
Earlier in October, the Health Ministry announced that they were considering a ban on vaping under legal laws. The ministry then announced that they were looking to implement an excise tax on e-cigarettes and vapes.
Shortly after the announcement, the ministry conducted raids on vape outlets nationwide.
So, what do you think of the vaping trend? Will you be one of the citizens to voice out your concerns towards vaping? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.
Source: The Star Online.
